National Public Radio’s (NPR) popular How I Built This podcast series highlights nearly a hundred entrepreneurs and business owners who have transformed an innovative idea into a successful business. Throughout this podcast series, many of the innovators and entrepreneurs talk with host Guy Raz about how private equity investment helped them grow their businesses, hire new employees, and get the management support they need in order to succeed. In fact, about a quarter of the companies featured on the show have partnered with private equity along their path to success.

In our new three-part blog series, the AIC is highlighting specific quotes from entrepreneurs who have turned to private equity investment to help build their businesses. Part 1 and Part 2 shared stories of building growth and providing expertise. Today, we hear about how private equity firms mentor and support management.

“I know in 2014 you sold the company to L’Oréal. Was that difficult for you to sell this thing that you build out of your apartment in Brooklyn? Or did it feel like a weight was lifted off your shoulders?”

Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter:

“I felt strong. I felt empowered. And I stood with everyone else shoulder to shoulder and guided Carol’s Daughter to that place for us to have that acquisition. So, I was very very happy.”

“Yes, we own about 75 percent of the company – me and my family. But we took in a fairly big investor when we first started franchising. They don’t interfere in our business at all – they gave us a big chunk of money.They’re entrepreneurs too and they saw something in Five Guys.”

There are over 4,700 private equity firms in the United States that are currently invested in more than 32,000 American companies. Here’s a list of some of the companies that have been featured on How I Built This and have received private equity investment.